This directive is paving the way for a European-wide market of services in the transport business focusing on the 4 priority areas defined as follows:

• optimal use of road, traffic and travel data (real traffic information service)
  • priority actions: EU-wide multimodal travel and real-time traffic information services as well as road safety related minimum universal traffic information services
• continuity of traffic and freight management ITS services (enabling better fleet management services)
  • actions: e.g. ensuring information flow; tracking and tracing of freight
• ITS road safety and security applications (eCALL and parking services)
  • priority actions: EU-wide eCall services as well as reservation and information systems services for safe and secure parking places for trucks and commercial vehicles
• linking the vehicle with the transport infrastructure (enabling Car2Car and vehicle2infrastructure services)
  • actions: e.g. systems for exchange of data or information between vehicles, infrastructures and between vehicle and infrastructure

The new directive is the result of a long-awaited European process of negotiations between Parliament and Council since the first draft was proposed by the European Commission (EC) in December 2008ⁱⁱ. In 2008, EC was pointing out the real challenges of the growing transport needs for all Europe. EC called for the adoption of ITS applications and alerted on the lack of an existing standard and coherent organization between countries for making the deployment of such technologies economically viable. Most of the action plan has been transposed into the directive, except for the timing where member states will benefit of longer periods of time between every report (every 3 years versus 1) and for the safe keeping of existing ITS applications deployed in one member state.

This is to say that in Europe, every new application requires a consensus from all of the members and always takes into consideration every existing set up. As an example, the investment in the emergency call services made by some European car OEM:s (seen as real pioneers a decade ago) will therefore be protected for tomorrow and stay compliant with the future pan-european eCall standard.

The new directive establishes a framework and planning of actions to support a coordinated and coherent deployment of ITS within the EU, in particular across the borders between the member states, and it sets out the general conditions necessary for that purpose. For example the reuse of existing technologies like EGNOS/Galileo and RFID, the creation of a new ITS Advisory Group (similar to the eSafety group which was created in 2002 for eCall and lead by ERTICO), regrouping delegates of industry, associations and European Member States – for those who want to work on the future specifications of ITS applications it will most certainly be very interesting to join – and an ITS Committee (parallel to other existing committees for road tolling, recording equipments, use of spatial information, etc.), which with its expertise will help the EC to drive the specifications and the global action plan.

A two-step approach for a swift introduction of ITS through EU legislation has been agreed: the Commission will prepare and adopt the necessary specifications for the ITS applications and services concerned. Their aim is to be ready by February 27, 2013 for a minimum of one or more of the priorities. Then, within 12 months and, where appropriate, after an impact assessment, the Commission will present a proposal for deployment of those ITS to the European Parliament and the Council, which will jointly decide for or against the proposal. In any case, member states will have the final say on whether or not to deploy an ITS application or service in their territory. However, if they do so, they must respect the specifications adopted under the directive. There are some additional key milestones to keep in mind: in August 2011, member states will report their ITS activities and projects to the Commission. In August 2012, the member states will report about the national deployment of ITS application and their actions for the next 5 years. A report of progress will be updated every 3 years by the Commission for the Parliament.

In conclusion, this is a necessary and constructive framework for preparing and organizing the conditions of an interesting market for ITS services on a European scale.

This directive does not hide the complexity of delivering telematics services for all Europe. Indeed, we are talking about providing some connected services in a fragmented mosaic of countries for more than 230 million passenger cars, 30 million light commercial vehicles and 6 million trucks. Having a portion of this market, we at Telenor Connexion have an understanding of how complex it can be. Therefore, I am expecting a long process for assessing the existing implementations, taking into consideration every report and finding specifications good enough to be approved by the larger number.

Finally, coming back to the business reality, I believe that this is a good time for automotive OEMs to make decision whether to start a venture or wait longer (but do not expect a reliable specification before 2013). It’s worth keeping a serious eye on this.

Footnotes
i Directive 2010/40/EU adopted on July 7, 2010 by the Parliament, can be downloaded on the web site: http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=OJ:L:2010:207:0001:0013:EN:PDF

iiThe draft document from the European Commission dated of Dec 16.2008, with reference 2008/0263, is available on web site: http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=COM:2008:0887:FIN:EN:PDF

In an energy-constrained world, what supply-chains will require?

What will be the next direction to take for telematics designers in Transport &Logistics (T&L) sector?

Recently, the sudden peak of oil price in summer 2008^iv has obviously contributed to trigger a greater adoption among T&L sector for telematics solutions enabling the “fuel consumption monitoring” and the success of new policy for improvement of driver education like “eco-driving”. Truck OEMs and Fleet management System vendors have developed a large portfolio of solutions for reducing the energy consumption. Car OEMs will propose more and more in new car models similar features. But that’s only one side of the problem. Key takeaways I would like to share here are based on analysis of the end customers from the T&L sector in conjunction with the feedback from company fleet managers.

Oil prices will very likely continue to increase and so will the use of alternative fuels, however neither is likely to revolutionize the T&L sector. If oil price volatility is a significant risk for the sector, one thing is really sure, supply chains will evolve in the direction of ensuring that cost of emissions is paid by the causer.  Whether or not, the one who designs telematics, see it as a business opportunity,  T&L providers and fleet managers will need to track, document and declare their CO2 emissions (the so-called “carbon footprint”) in the future and thereafter, other types of emissions such as Nitrogen Oxyde, noise, etc. On every company level, the monitoring of carbon footprint will require introduction of “mobility account” for employees which implies a mileage reporting solution for the entire fleet.  In parallel of mobility accounts, “CO2 tickers^v” would have to be calculated in order to document all carbon emissions caused during the production and transport of manufactured goods. CO2 tickers could become standard for all consumer products since the overall objective is to influence consumer behavior. Companies having seized this opportunity early enough will gain a competitive advantage and have a significant marketing and PR value (on the opposite of the green washing).

Another key trend in supply chains is the need of continuous real-time control of the flows of goods.  Such systems bring benefits to supply-chains in terms of greater visibility and better flexibility, preventing the risks of external disturbances. For example, telematics can help in detection of unplanned stops and delayed deliveries. Another key service offered by telematics provided by truck OEMs is remote diagnostics enabling a greater uptime and means for preventive maintenance. In the rail sector, GPS localization of shuttle trains and single wagons are critical information for insuring good timing in deliveries. In addition, telematics can help for insuring security of high value goods transported with adapted sensors. The value of such services is automatically increased with the oil price risk.

In conclusion, to coping with a low-carbon world requires tackling new challenges. The Transport and Logistics providers and the fleet managers would have a greater interest in adopting telematics solutions giving a good bundle of benefits including not only the immediate savings with fuel monitoring but as well the facility to track and document all emissions, plus capacity of real-time monitoring.

Footnotes
i IPCC: Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. http://www.ipcc.ch/

ii Some cities have adopted congestion schemes like Singapore, London and Stockholm. Many countries have road charging systems, but only few have the capacity to create a toll system based on level of emissions: the Toll Collect in Germany since 2005, Slovakpass since 2010 and the future Eco-taxe in France to be launched in 2012.

iii France has recently adopted in 2010 a law ”Grenelle de l’environnement II”, requiring all  companies of more than 500 employees in France to declare annually and progressively from January 2011 their carbon footprint and CO2 ticker for manufactured goods.

iv On July 11, 2008, oil barrel price rose to a new record of $147.27. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Price_of_petroleum

v CO2 ticker is the idea of putting a label identifying the emissions caused during the production and transport. Initial examples are already in place. For CO2 ticker, the challenge is to agree on a future industry-standard. For transport sector, Association of European Vehicle Logistics (ECG) is working on development of a common carbon calculator. http://www.eurocartrans.org/

Range anxiety is a condition that often afflicts people while at the helm of an electric vehicle. Anxiety escalates as the driver grows increasingly uncertain as to whether the battery-powered car will make it from point A to point B.

- “Drivers of electric cars know that they cannot simply re-fuel at any given time. They must re-charge, which requires planning,” explained Per Lindberg, Global Business Development Executive, Telenor Connexion. – “A good communications solution is necessary in order to plan your driving. You will not find an electric car without a telematics solution – that’s where we come in.”

Battery life of an electric car is dependent on a number of factors, including traffic conditions and even the weather. This makes it critical that the driver is able to communicate with the outside world and accurately calculate just how far his battery can take him.

Telenor in ideal position to deliver solutions
Telenor Connexion has a history of delivering telematics solutions to vehicles, in addition to experience working with the electric utilities companies in creating automated meter reading solutions. This puts the company in an ideal position when combining automotive telematics and electric utilities support for the electric car industry.

- “Telenor will deliver the communication. We have a network of companies that we will work with, including the electric utility companies, so it is possible to take on the role of mediator,” said Lindberg. – “The utility companies are now looking into how electric cars will affect their business, what they need to do and what their position will be, and we’re helping them along the way.”

New challenges for the electric utility companies
Electric vehicles present new challenges for the utility companies. For example, a driver of an electric car may drive to a friend’s house for dinner and wish to charge his vehicle during his stay. The problem arises when the driver’s electricity usage to re-charge his car shows up on his friend’s monthly power bill. To solve this dilemma the power company needs to be alerted that this electricity is for the car, not the friend, and that the driver of the vehicle should be charged instead.

- “The industry is developing ways of identifying whether electricity is used by the vehicle or the household, which results in a completely new business model for the utility companies,” said Lindberg. – “From a Telenor perspective it doesn’t differ much whether it’s an electricity meter or a car that wants to send data via our network, it’s the data that we transmit in both cases. Where it gets interesting is when we start thinking about the electric vehicle communicating to the electric grid.

Electric cars challenge the current methods of distributing electricity.
There are still a number of questions remaining when it comes to the infrastructure and distribution of electricity to meet the new needs of electric cars. For example, who will own the charging stations? When parking downtown, will parking and battery charging be billed together? And when you charge your car, can you select the company from which you will purchase your power?

According to Göran Brandt, Vice President of Business Development at Telenor Connexion, flexibility is the key to the successful spread of electric cars. “At the end of the day, it’s all about retrieving the necessary information, such as location, consumption, preferred method of payment, etc. There will most likely not be a single solution working in all countries and places. Flexibility and long-term consistency are essential.”

Electric cars drive telematics growth
Telenor has identified telematics as one of its key growth areas. Since telematics will be a standard feature in all electric cars, this industry will serve as one of the main drivers of this growth.

- “I think we will see a very quick rollout of electric cars, as there is a lot of political pressure on getting these vehicles to the market and many government subsidies are now being offered to encourage uptake,” said Lindberg. – “We are excited to support the spread of electric cars, and we will do our best to help alleviate all unnecessary range anxiety for consumers.”

About Telenor Connexion
Telenor Connexion is a leading global provider of embedded connectivity for business and life critical applications. Companies in industries as diverse as automotive, security, utilities and fleet management are implementing embedded connectivity solutions to achieve productivity gains, cost management, environmental improvement and expand customer services. With more than 10 years of experience, Telenor Connexion is a reliable partner, understanding and dedicated our customers’ business.Telenor Connexion provides international, cost-effective M2M (machine-to-machine) communication solutions to a number of global customers such as Volvo, Daimler and Securitas Direct.According to leading industry analyst Berg Insight Telenor is “the most advanced mobile operator in the area of M2M” and also “the dominant provider of wireless M2M connectivity”.
Telenor Connexion is wholly owned by Telenor Group, the world’s sixth largest mobile operator. Telenor Group is an international provider of high quality tele, data and media communication services with mobile operations in 13 markets across the Nordic region, Central and Eastern Europe and in Asia.

Congestion is a huge drain on the economy and on the environment with its costs running into USD$ hundreds of billions (3 percent of GDP in OECD countries and even higher in Asia).

– Traffic management is becoming increasingly important in modern society, and governments around the world are beginning to realize this. One of the strengths of the Billoo solution is its global deployment. As a provider of worldwide M2M connectivity solutions we are proud to form part of a partnership that offers governments all over the world, a solution that transcends international boundaries, says Pablo Contreras, Global Business Development Executive, Telenor Connexion.

Many strategies have been tested but only a permanent and real time management of traffic demands throughout an entire road network can properly solve road traffic issues. This requires a solution with the ability to process an extensive number of very short messages (via machine-to-machine, M2M, communication) and a high capacity of computations at low rates. The Billoo solution capitalizes on the high reliability and scalability that Telenor Connexion global M2M connectivity provides.

– Telenor Connexion offers Billoo a highly secure M2M infrastructure and organization, as well as support services for worldwide deployment. Its global mobile network is optimized to receive high volume data traffic, says Philip van der Heijden, CEO of Billoo Development BV.

By having developed its own solution from inception, by exchanging data between vehicles and its computer centre in a bi-directional manner and by computing this data in real time, Billoo offers a fully comprehensive solution based on GPS/GPRS technologies which solves all the main issues regarding the management of road mobility independently of the length and nature of the road network and independently of the number of vehicles moving simultaneously (regardless of vehicle quantity).

Billoo devices use the Telenor Connexion eSIM technology with the Telenor worldwide M2M services and the platform dedicated solely to M2M traffic. The Telenor Connexion M2M connectivity solutions provide Billoo the high security level that a road mobility management solution requires.

There is enormous potential and fast development in Location Based Services, LBS, and road mobility management solutions are a cornerstone to this progress.

For more information, please contact:

Jean-Marie Carrara, Product Development Director, Billoo Development
info@billoopass.com, +31 70 356 22 37

Karin Karlung, PR and Communication, Telenor Connexion
karin.karlung@telenor.com, +46 734 417 415

About Billoo Development
Billoo is the only company in the world to have developed a global sustainable road mobility management solution that is especially suited for application to an unlimited number of vehicles moving simultaneously within the entire national road network of any given country.

The Billoo solution can be deployed quickly and represents the most cost effective solution available to drivers and governments alike.
The Billoo solution is wholly-owned and its operation is subcontracted to some of the best known companies in the world. For more information, please visit www.billoopass.com. Billoo and Billoopass are trademarks.

About Telenor Connexion
Telenor Connexion is a leading global provider of embedded connectivity for business and life critical applications. Companies in industries as diverse as automotive, security, utilities and fleet management are implementing embedded connectivity solutions to achieve productivity gains, cost management, environmental improvement and expand customer services. With more than 10 years of experience, Telenor Connexion is a reliable partner, understanding and dedicated our customers’ business.Telenor Connexion provides international, cost-effective M2M (machine-to-machine) communication solutions to a number of global customers such as Volvo, Daimler and Securitas Direct.According to leading industry analyst Berg Insight Telenor is “the most advanced mobile operator in the area of M2M” and also “the dominant provider of wireless M2M connectivity”.
Telenor Connexion is wholly owned by Telenor Group, the world’s sixth largest mobile operator. Telenor Group is an international provider of high quality tele, data and media communication services with mobile operations in 13 markets across the Nordic region, Central and Eastern Europe and in Asia.

The Eco-Way is an innovative, ground-breaking portable navigation device featuring an electrical interface that connects directly to the diagnostics bus within a vehicle, thereby enabling it to collect real-time engine and performance data. The Eco-Way processes this information and displays in real-time MPG and CO2 per mile in a Prius-like display. Eco-Way also calculates an “Eco-Score” telling the driver the degree to which their driving is eco-friendly. Vehicle and driver performance information is sent via Telenor Connexion’s global GPRS network to the TSP’s fleet management database where fleet operators can review vehicle and driver performance statistics and vehicle maintenance information.  One of the key value propositions of the Eco-Way is the ability for drivers to see in real-time how their driving behaviour affects gas mileage and CO2 emissions so they can make improvement, as well as how their vehicle performs relative to the capabilities advertised by the manufacturer.

Of particular importance in this system is the ability to provision, manage and support thousands of remote, internet-connected eco-navigation devices, on a global basis, and to ensure reliable capture and presentation of critical data, and make immediate notification of any vehicle faults or problems. This capability is provided through Telenor Connexion’s comprehensive global telematics connectivity solution.

– We are very excited to be working with Telenor Connexion, a world leader in global M2M connectivity solutions with a distinguished reputation, says Jim DiSanto, President of Earthrise and a Digisec board member.

– Oil prices are again heading up as the world economy transitions from recession to a new growth cycle. Fuel costs are the number one concern of fleet operators world-wide, followed closely by the cost of emissions. Transportation is now the number one man-made producer of green house gases, and pressure is being brought upon fleet operators to reduce their emissions. Using innovative telematics technology like Eco-Way coupled with Telenor Connexion connectivity services can reduce transportation emissions in most fleets by 30-40%, Jim DiSanto continues.

– We are pleased to work with such a pioneering company like Digisec. The product is built and launched towards the professional fleet and transportation vertical in an innovative way, and in view of the environmental focus and consideration arising all around the world. It is with great enthusiasm we contribute with our global M2M connectivity solution, says Niclas Andersson, Global Business Development Executive, Telenor Connexion.

For more information, please contact:

Jim DiSanto, Earthrise Technologies, Inc.
jimd@earthrisetech.com,  +1 650-283-4402

Niclas Andersson, Telenor Connexion
niclas.k.andersson@telenor.com, +46 (734) 41 72 78

About Earthrise Technologies and Digisec Group
Earthrise Technoloiges is a wholly owned division of Digisec Group (www.digisecgroup.com), a Caymans Corporation.  In addition to Earthrise, Digisec owns and operates CCYamei Electronics, the leading after-market manufacturer of automotive security and safety products in China.  Products include EZ-GO smart key system, All-Way GPS/GSM tracking and security system, and the new Eco-Way connected navigation system with Eco-Driving and vehicle diagnostics. For more information please visit www.earthrisetech.com

About Telenor Connexion
Telenor Connexion is a leading global provider of embedded connectivity for business and life critical applications. Companies in industries as diverse as automotive, security, utilities and fleet management are implementing embedded connectivity solutions to achieve productivity gains, cost management, environmental improvement and expand customer services. With more than 10 years of experience, Telenor Connexion is a reliable partner, understanding and dedicated our customers’ business. According to leading industry analyst Berg Insight, Telenor is “the most advanced mobile operator in the area of M2M” and “the dominant provider of wireless M2M connectivity”.

Axeda Corporation and Telenor Connexion today announced an alliance that will make it easier, cheaper, and faster for companies worldwide to build and deliver connected products. Telenor Connexion is a company within Telenor Group – the world’s sixth largest mobile network operator (MNO). Axeda is the leading Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS) company for connected products.

The alliance brings together Telenor Connexion’s worldwide wireless mobile network and Axeda’s on-demand platform for building enterprise-scale M2M solutions. Provided with a complete communication-optimized platform, joint customers can rapidly develop connected products – focusing on strategic business solutions, not the enabling technology. Easy deployment through cloud-based services provide for faster time to market with no infrastructure costs.

“Over the next few years, the application opportunities for wireless M2M connectivity are huge – from the smart grid, to transportation, to networked homes and mobile consumer devices like eReaders. We believe the base of connected mobile M2M devices should exceed 200m by 2014 with an annual growth rate of more than 35%”, said Robin Duke-Woolley, CEO of worldwide M2M analyst firm Beecham Research. “The Axeda Platform reduces the time to market for new M2M applications and services, and with Telenor Connexion these applications have global reach.”

Over 100 major organizations, including Abbott, EMC, Diebold, and NetApp rely on the Axeda Platform today to get value from their connected products. A PaaS solution, it reduces complexity and costs and provides key capabilities such as: condition monitoring, content management, location-based services, business rules, secure communication, and enterprise system integration that speed the creation of connected products.

“Axeda is a leader in enterprise M2M and Telenor Connexion is the leading provider in global managed M2M connectivity solutions. We complement each other with best-in- class M2M services, offering customers a reliable, on-demand platform for building and deploying enterprise M2M solutions that take advantage of our global coverage,” said Niclas Andersson global business development executive, Telenor Connexion. “Benefits for Axeda and Telenor Connexion customers are shortened time to market, as well as reduced development time and cost.”

Telenor Connexion has built a dedicated M2M organization and infrastructure, tailored products and support services for reliable M2M deployments. Its global mobile network is optimized for data traffic – rather than voice transmission – supporting dependable services for both plastic SIM as well as the Telenor patented eSIM chip based embedded solution.

“Organizations are just scratching the surface of the potential business impact of connected products – for improved supply chain visibility, better customer service , and new revenue streams,” said Dale Calder, president and CEO, Axeda. “The integration of our platform with Telenor Connexion’s global network will remove significant time, risk and cost from development cycles, so companies realize the benefits faster.”

Additional Information
Axeda and Telenor Connexion will co-exhibit at CTIA Wireless in Las Vegas, March 23-25, 2010. Visit us at booth #256.

For more information, please contact:
Karin Karlung, Telenor Connexion
karin.karlung@telenor.com, +46 734 417 415

Erin Smith, Axeda Corporation
esmith@axeda.com, 508-337-9200

Megan Boyaval, Corporate Ink
mboyaval@corporateink.com, 617-969-9192

About Axeda
Axeda Corporation is the leading Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS) company for connected products. The company’s VeriSign® Security certified platform and applications allow companies to connect, manage, service, and interact with assets anywhere – it serves over 100 of the world’s leading enterprises including Agilent, Diebold, and EMC. Axeda Corporation is a privately held company headquartered in Foxboro, Mass. and can be reached at www.axeda.com.

About Telenor Connexion
Telenor Connexion is a leading global provider of managed M2M connectivity solutions. Machine-to-machine (M2M) communication is a rapidly expanding market. Companies in industries as diverse as automotive, security, utilities and fleet management are implementing M2M solutions to achieve productivity gains, cost management, environmental improvement and to expand customer services. With more than 10 years of experience Telenor Connexion is an experienced and reliable partner. We are dedicated to our customers’ business and understand their needs. Telenor Connexion has provided international, cost-effective M2M communication solutions to a number of global customers such as Volvo, Daimler and Securitas Direct.According to leading industry analyst Berg Insight Telenor is “the most advanced mobile operator in the area of M2M” and also “the dominant provider of wireless M2M connectivity”.
Telenor Connexion is wholly owned by Telenor Group, the world’s sixth largest mobile operator. Telenor Group is an international provider of high quality tele, data and media communication services with mobile operations in 13 markets across the Nordic region, Central and Eastern Europe and in Asia.

Cinterion Wireless Modules, the global leader in cellular machine-to-machine (M2M) communication, and Telenor Connexion today announced their collaboration on an M2M tracking and tracing platform for Hitachi Construction Machinery Co. Ltd. (HCM) construction and mining machinery. The customised solution combines Cinterion’s reliable HC25 module, a Telenor Connexion SIM card and global wireless service to enable advanced fleet management support such as geo-fencing, positioning, remote eMaintenance, extended warranty support and more.

To date, the new HCM solution has been implemented in more than 20,000 machines, for connectivity in 50 countries including Japan and Korea, with a large number of several hundred thousand additional units planned for the near future.

– Cinterion’s HC25 module offers 2G and 3G functionality along with full type approval and carrier certifications for unparalleled global functionality, said Norbert Muhrer, CEO at Cinterion Wireless Modules.

– Telenor Connexion’s many years of experience delivering customer-centric solutions and Cinterion’s high quality, reliable and future-proofed products are the ideal complement for enterprises that want to invest in smart technology that improves productivity while cutting costs. Our collaboration ensures customers receive world class wireless technology and local market support along with a swift and well managed roll out of services, Norbert Muhrer continued.

In March 2009, Cinterion and Telenor Connexion announced a renewed partnership and commitment to work collaboratively to establish industry standards and best practices as well as to stimulate the development of M2M solutions worldwide. The HCM implementation demonstrates the power of the partnership to quickly develop and deliver a reliable, high quality and cost-efficient solution and to expand international M2M implementations.

– Expanding our existing relationship with HCM, the world leading manufacturer of construction and mining equipment, is strategically important for Telenor Connexion and a significant contract for us. The HCM deal and our partnership with Cinterion strengthen our position as the leading global M2M provider and illustrate how our previous efforts within asset management have opened up opportunities in the important Asian market. We’re very excited about future opportunities with both Cinterion and HCM, said Per Simonsen, CEO, Telenor Connexion.

– Our relationship with Telenor Connexion along with Cinterion allows us to take advantage of their global scale and footprint, long and proven track record of M2M managed connectivity solutions and mission critical experience managing large scale roll-outs. This reliable and well managed M2M solution will allow us to continue to respond to our customers’ needs throughout the world by providing them with the value-added products and services they have come to expect from HCM, said Fujio Matsuda, service department manager at HCM Construction Machinery.

For more information, please contact:

Karin Karlung, PR and Communication, Telenor Connexion
karin.karlung@telenor.com, +46 734 417 415

Marlene Häggström, Global Partner Manager, Telenor Connexion
Marlene.Haggstrom@telenor.com, +46 734417661

Nadine Steinmetz, Cinterion Wireless Modules GmbH
nadine.steinmetz@cinterion.com, +49 89 21029 9216

Ellen Lynch, LPI Communications for CWM
ellen@lpicommunications.com, +1 415 225 2240

About Telenor Connexion
Telenor Connexion is a leading global provider of managed M2M connectivity solutions. Machine-to-machine (M2M) communication is a rapidly expanding market. Companies in industries as diverse as automotive, security, utilities and fleet management are implementing M2M solutions to achieve productivity gains, cost management, environmental improvement and to expand customer services. With more than 10 years of experience Telenor Connexion is an experienced and reliable partner. We are dedicated to our customers’ business and understand their needs. Telenor Connexion has provided international, cost-effective M2M communication solutions to a number of global customers such as Volvo, Daimler and Securitas Direct.
According to leading industry analyst Berg Insight Telenor is “the most advanced mobile operator in the area of M2M” and also “the dominant provider of wireless M2M connectivity”.
Telenor Connexion is wholly owned by Telenor Group, the world’s sixth largest mobile operator. Telenor Group is an international provider of high quality tele, data and media communication services with mobile operations in 13 markets across the Nordic region, Central and Eastern Europe and in Asia.

About Cinterion Wireless Modules
Cinterion Wireless Modules is the worldwide leading supplier of cellular machine-to-machine (M2M) communication modules and combines unparalleled M2M engineering expertise and localized worldwide customer support with a strong portfolio of high-quality GSM, GPRS, EDGE, UMTS and HSPA products. Cinterion is a reliable partner and valued by many vertical market customers for its award-winning modules which enable machines, equipment and vehicles to communicate over wireless networks helping enterprises dramatically cut costs and increase productivity and efficiency. Cinterion products are carrier and FTA approved and used for industries including remote maintenance and control; metering; payment systems; industrial PDAs; routers and gateways; security systems; health care; automotive and eToll; tracking and tracing; environmental monitoring and more. The firm’s global headquarters are in Munich, Germany with sales and support offices in local markets around the world. For more information, please visit: www.cinterion.com

Beginning in December 2009 the Telenor Connexion SIM-cards was delivered and inserted into Brunata’s metering equipment. The long-term agreement is a foundation for large-scale global solutions for individual heat and electricity metering. With connected metering devices, consumers can monitor and control energy expenditure remotely. The M2M-technology makes it easy to reduce energy consumption, generating reduced billing of costs for heating and water, at the same time as contributing to environmental savings.

– M2M-technology opens up endless possibilities for cost and environmental savings. We are pleased to be a part of the global connectivity of Brunata’s smart metering solutions, says Gwenn Larsson, VP Sales Automotive, Telenor Connexion.

The M2M-connectivity solution delivered by Telenor Connexion is highly customised and for Brunata requirements. Brunata will benefit from one standardised and centralised technical solution enabling a global cost-effective deployment.

– Our solutions help consumers and property owners save energy and thereby reduce CO2 emissions. Secure and reliable connectivity is a vital part of our solutions.  The cooperation with Telenor Connexion enables us to further expand our business internationally based on a flexible, yet solid and reliable connectivity solution, says Niels Johannsen, IT-manager, Brunata.

More information about Telenor Connexion: www.telenorconnexion.com
More information about Brunata: www.brunata.com

For more information, please contact:
Karin Karlung, PR and Communication, Telenor Connexion
karin.karlung@telenor.com, +46 734 417 415

About Telenor Connexion
Telenor Connexion is a leading global provider of managed M2M connectivity solutions. Machine-to-machine (M2M) communication is a rapidly expanding market. Companies in industries as diverse as automotive, security, utilities and fleet management are implementing M2M solutions to achieve productivity gains, cost management, environmental improvement and to expand customer services. With more than 10 years of experience Telenor Connexion is an experienced and reliable partner. We are dedicated to our customers’ business and understand their needs. Telenor Connexion has provided international, cost-effective M2M communication solutions to a number of global customers such as Volvo, Daimler and Securitas Direct.
According to leading industry analyst Berg Insight Telenor is “the most advanced mobile operator in the area of M2M” and also “the dominant provider of wireless M2M connectivity”.
Telenor Connexion is wholly owned by Telenor Group, the world’s sixth largest mobile operator. Telenor Group is an international provider of high quality tele, data and media communication services with mobile operations in 13 markets across the Nordic region, Central and Eastern Europe and in Asia. For more information please visit www.telenorconnexion.com

The Eco Navigator is the first personal navigation device showing drivers, in real time, their fuel consumption and carbon emissions and provides advice on how to improve mileage and reduce emissions. The transmitting device will also suggest the most fuel efficient route to the destination. The Eco Navigator includes vehicle diagnostics and performance, and navigation worldwide.The highly customised and centralised solution delivered by Telenor Connexion will provide not only the SIM-card and connectivity, but also the advantage of one single business model tailored for international connectivity. With Telenor Connexion’s global SIM solution, MyGuide will benefit from one SIM and one standardised technical solution enabling a cost-effective deployment in several international markets. The solution also includes automated provisioning customised to fit MyGuide’s production and distribution processes, securing cost-effective integration of SIM and testing of the complete solution ahead of production.

The connected product will be released in the US in December and in Europe during January 2010. It will be available to the North American, European, Russian, Australian and Indian markets, where Telenor Connexion has extensive experience from supplying wireless connectivity. The long term agreement will bring about a large-scale deployment in the mentioned market areas.

– It’s exciting to be a part of this new product. We have a solid solution for providing connectivity in these regions, and working with an environmentally focused solution is agreeable with our company outlook, says Gwenn Larsson, VP of Sales, Telenor Connexion.

The Eco Navigator allows drivers to be more conscious of the cost of driving through fuel savings and contribute to reducing pollution by making car owners “eco conscious”. By using the data from the on board diagnostics port it provides accurate real time data drawn from the actual vehicle engine, and not projected or estimated values as its navigation competitors.

– We are very confident that the partnership with Telenor Connexion will result in global market development. Wireless connectivity enables users to obtain real-time traffic, download data about their vehicle to their desktop PC, and provides Internet access for user convenience, says Randy Kemps, VP Sales & Marketing, MyGuide Americas.

The Eco Navigator is designed and developed by Digisec Group for MyGuide Americas LLC, and utilises Digisec’s powerful “Eco-Way” eco-driving and engine monitoring software. Digisec Group is one of the largest suppliers of aftermarket automotive security and safety products in China.

For more information, please contact:
Karin Karlung, PR and Communication, Telenor Connexion
karin.karlung@telenor.com, +46 734 417 415

About Telenor Connexion
Telenor Connexion is a leading global provider of managed M2M connectivity solutions. Machine-to-machine (M2M) communication is a rapidly expanding market. Companies in industries as diverse as automotive, security, utilities and fleet management are implementing M2M solutions to achieve productivity gains, cost management, environmental improvement and to expand customer services. With more than 10 years of experience Telenor Connexion is an experienced and reliable partner. We are dedicated to our customers’ business and understand their needs. Telenor Connexion has provided international, cost-effective M2M communication solutions to a number of global customers such as Volvo, Daimler and Securitas Direct.
According to leading industry analyst Bergh Insight Telenor is “the most advanced mobile operator in the area of M2M” and also “the dominant provider of wireless M2M connectivity”.Telenor Connexion is wholly owned by Telenor Group, the world’s sixth largest mobile operator. Telenor Group is an international provider of high quality tele, data and media communication services with mobile operations in 13 markets across the Nordic region, Central and Eastern Europe and in Asia.

About MyGuide Americas
MyGuide Americas is a California corporation dedicated to cutting edge GPS navigation products. Partnering with leading companies in this field, MyGuide markets GPS products with innovative features and at competitive market prices. Products are available with navigation & vehicle diagnostics for all major world markets. Europe & North America are prime target markets for the Eco Navigator. For more information, please visit www.myguidegpsusa.com

With his unique knowledge in the rapidly growing field of telematics, Dan Mårtensson will share his fresh views on the role of the mobile operator. The presentation gives an understanding on how mobile operators will have to adapt to the changing landscape of vehicles and machines getting connected on a global basis.- The telematics technology is evolving at a tremendous pace, and the industry needs to keep up. In order to be a part of the profitable telematics market, the mobile operators must adjust to technological developments and new market demands, says Dan Mårtensson, CMO and VP Automotive Sales, Telenor Connexion.

The audience will have the opportunity to learn how mobile operators will move from standard GPRS rate plans and embedded SIMs to an end-to-end approach of managing business critical connectivity solutions. A totally new mindset and offering is required to adapt to various customer business models as well as production and logistics processes. There will also be an opportunity to get expert opinion on new partnerships and business models that are needed to grow the market.

The creation of Telenor Connexion is a proof of the company’s dedicated belief in the future of M2M and at the same time acknowledging the fact that managed M2M connectivity is something completely different from traditional mobile operator services.

Telenor Connexion will be exhibiting at stand number 5, during the Telematics Munich event.

For more information, please contact:
Karin Karlung, PR and Communication, Telenor Connexion
karin.karlung@telenor.com, +46 734 417 415

About Telenor Connexion
Telenor Connexion is a leading global provider of managed M2M connectivity solutions. Machine-to-machine (M2M) communication is a rapidly expanding market. Companies in industries as diverse as automotive, security, utilities and fleet management are implementing M2M solutions to achieve productivity gains, cost management, environmental improvement and to expand customer services. With more than 10 years of experience Telenor Connexion is an experienced and reliable partner. We are dedicated to our customers’ business and understand their needs. Telenor Connexion has provided international, cost-effective M2M communication solutions to a number of global customers such as Volvo, Daimler and Securitas Direct.

According to leading industry analyst Bergh Insight Telenor is “the most advanced mobile operator in the area of M2M” and also “the dominant provider of wireless M2M connectivity”.

Telenor Connexion is wholly owned by Telenor Group, the world’s sixth largest mobile operator. Telenor Group is an international provider of high quality tele, data and media communication services with mobile operations in 13 markets across the Nordic region, Central and Eastern Europe and in Asia.